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himself a made man. The first thinghe did was to fall in love with prettyWinifred Price, the belle of the village, his second was to become engaged to her and plan a speedy marriage. Perhaps his uncle had learned ofthis, Alton reflected, and that was thereal secret of his drastic action. Atall events the ultimatum had beensubmission. If the former, Altonwell knew that his uncle would disown him, which meant the loss of thesubstantial backing of a helpful, influential friend.Alton talked over the tisuation thatevening with Winifred. She was sensible about it. Better to wait twoyears than to rush madly into matrimony with no fixed business establishment, she advised.- At least, shedecided, Alton had better keep in hisuncle's good graces until he was surehe could shift for himself.So Alton mournfully accepted thesituation. Winifred, consoled himsweetly and his photographic fa(fhelped him pass the time when it wasunemployed and irksome. He photographed the bank building, outsideand interior, in all its phases. He tooksecret snap shots of his uncle in various poses. Whenever a stranger cameinto the bank'he made a picture of.him."My, rogues' gallery!" he told thecashier whimsically. "Some daysomebody will put it over us and I willbe able to establish hfs identity."One day, indeed, the banker'shoarded gold was in peril and CyrusMerrill knew it not A well-dressed,dignified stranger came into the bankand after looking over some papersat the depositors' table he approachedthe president of the institution."Mr. Merrill," he said courteously,"I am having some important dealings with the valley -manufacturers. Ihave just come from your rival bank'here. The wish to charge me 5 per'cent for a trusteeship and some easynegotiations. Can I do business forypu on a cheaper basis?" $"Yes, sir," answered the banker,eager to snap up an easy opportunity,"if the business is entirely local.""It will be.""Our charge will be 2V per cent""Thanks. You will hear from mein a day or two," said the stranger,who called himself Richard Wone,and he left the bank. ,lA few minutes later a well dressedyoung lady entered the bank. Sheaproached Mr. Merrill."I came in to direct a letter," sheexplained, "and J, found this on thedesk where I was writing."She handed a long pocketbook tothe banker. In vast surprise he examined its- contents. It contained$4,000 in bank notes of large denOm-.inations. On its flap were the initials"R .W." and Mr. Merrill at once decided that it belonged to his recentvisitor."I am pleased at your honesty,young lady," he said heartily forhim. "I think you had better leaveyour name and address for I am surethat the owner of the money will wishto recognize your helpfulness."Within ten minutes the man whocalled himself Richard Wolfe camehurrying back into the bank. Ah ! hismoney had been found. Thanks, andthe finder? At once send her thisand he liberally handed the bankertwo $100 bills. Then he stated thathe had decided to do business withthe bank. He counted out $5,000. Itwas to be held in trust to purchasesome bonds which he named. Hewould at once write to the owner ofthe same and have him come fromanother town where he lived. He authorized Mr. Merrill to pay as high as90. If he got them for less they woulddivide on the bargain.The liberality of the stranger, thesight of the ready cash, the chanceto make an "honpit dollar" all appealed to the banker in a strangeway. What followed came quickly.Another stranger appeared at theT)ank within two day, with the bondsl i J .,. v.KK . . ... ,.. - - K. .1 . - ... i ....i..l, ,.-.. al.atStikMtSBBSSBBiBMiMtfiiiMMMMM